As Michael Jackson’s legacy returns to the limelight, can we truly separate the art from the artist?

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Forty years ago, Michael Jackson was at the peak of his career. Since then, his legacy has faced many challenges and controversies, but it seems he’s experiencing a resurgence in popularity now.

I just got a sneak peek at “Michael,” the new biopic about the King of Pop, and honestly, it feels like a sure thing. Coming from the team behind “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and with the full support – and music catalog – of the Jackson family (Jaafar Jackson even plays Michael!), it’s pretty clear this film is aiming for blockbuster status. It’s hitting theaters next month, and while I’ll have a full review then, expect a lot of buzz – and a lot of ticket sales.

Next week, BBC will begin airing a new three-part documentary called Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy. It tells the story of the singer’s incredible career, his struggles, and his attempt at a comeback – a classic tale of someone who achieved great heights but ultimately fell from grace.

The movie will take audiences back to the beginning of Michael Jackson’s career, showing his rise from a young star with the Jackson 5 to a world-famous solo artist. A major challenge he faced was breaking away from his family, particularly his father Joe, to achieve his musical dreams.

Honestly, I wish the film had ended a little earlier… but it doesn’t. The biopic neatly avoids showing the tougher parts of his life – things like the 1993 abuse allegations that were settled privately, his short-lived marriage to Elvis Presley’s daughter, and that controversial documentary with Martin Bashir which led to a trial, and ultimately, his acquittal. It skips over him ending up broke and traveling the world before he passed away in 2009, and even the fact that his doctor was sent to jail afterwards. It’s all a bit… glossed over. There’s definitely enough material there for a whole second movie, though.

In the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, Wade Robson and James Safechuck publicly shared their claims of abuse by Michael Jackson. Despite criticism from fans, they are continuing to seek legal resolution.

It’s fascinating, and frankly a bit sad, to see this legal battle unfold. On one side, they’re claiming they want justice for Michael, but the estate’s lawyers are pretty upfront – they’re after the money, and there’s a lot of it. It’s wild to think that someone who owned the Beatles catalog and created an album like Thriller actually died owing half a billion dollars! But apparently, things turned around quickly, and the estate was soon flush with cash again. It just highlights how complicated things can get when money and legacy are involved.

Footage of rehearsals for Michael Jackson’s planned 50 concerts in London, titled “This Is It,” was edited into a hugely successful concert film released just four months after his death. Combined with the earnings from the Broadway musical about his life and ongoing royalties, Jackson’s estate is now valued at over $2 billion.

So, what’s the takeaway? Are we willing to overlook the accusations against Jackson, much like some have done with other problematic artists, simply because of his incredible music? Or is his talent so exceptional that we justify ignoring any ethical issues? But then we’re reminded that prosecutors argued it was precisely this fame and access that enabled his alleged abuse.

People are still debating whether to separate Michael Jackson’s work from his personal failings, but the new BBC documentary makes one thing clear: his life was profoundly strange. From the intense devotion of his fans – almost like a religious following – to the baffling contrast between his outward confidence and his inner turmoil, self-doubt, and self-destructive behavior, it was a life full of contradictions.

The most captivating parts of the documentary are seeing the artistry firsthand—watching Jackson practice and perfect the moonwalk in private is still incredibly exciting. A particularly insightful moment comes from a Rabbi who recalled telling Jackson that he was chasing fame instead of genuine connection, calling attention a poor substitute.

Michael’s appearance is sure to attract many fans eager to remember the beginning of his incredible career. Meanwhile, Robson and Safechuck are scheduled to go to trial in November 2026, and like everyone else, their ultimate fate is still uncertain.

Authors

Caroline Frost

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2026-04-01 10:38